How to remove the curtain on the left of Xiaomi: the complete guide

Many users of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones face a situation where a swipe to the right opens an additional panel with news or video.This interface element, often called the “left curtain”, is not always convenient and can be annoying when randomly pressed. Device owners often look for a way to remove the curtain on the left of Xiaomi to simplify navigation.

In modern MIUI and HyperOS shells, this functionality is closely integrated with Google's system services or the company's own applications. The shutdown process does not require superuser rights or complex flashing; it is enough to know the exact location of the switches in the settings menu, which can vary depending on the version of the operating system.

Below we will discuss in detail all the current methods of deactivation of the sidebar. We will consider the standard methods through the launcher settings, and also touch on the nuances of working with Google services, which are often a source of unwanted content on the desktop.

What is a left panel and why you need it?

The side curtain that appears when swiping to the right of the first screen is a content aggregator. Depending on the region and settings, it can display Google Discover cards, news from Xiaomi partners, weather widgets or Mi Video recommendations. Formally, this feature is designed to keep the user's attention by providing quick access to information without opening the browser.

In practice, however, this panel often consumes RAM and battery power in the background, and news selection algorithms can show unwanted ads or low-quality content, which is why many prefer to clear the desktop of unnecessary elements, leaving only the necessary widgets.

⚠️ Warning: Complete removal of system components responsible for this panel can lead to unstable operation of the launcher.

It is worth noting that on global firmware versions, this element is most often tied to Google services, while in Chinese versions, Xiaomi’s own services dominate. Understanding the source of content helps you choose the right method to disable it.

Disconnection through the settings of the MIUI launcher

The easiest and safest way to get rid of the left bar is to use the built-in desktop theme settings, which works on most MIUI-enabled devices, versions 12, 13, and 14. You don't need to install third-party software.

First, you need to get into the desktop editing menu, which is done by long-term tapping on an empty area of the screen or pinching two fingers (finger mixing), and in the menu that opens, you need to select Settings (usually the gear icon or three dots).

• 📱 Find the "Additional" or "Desktop" section at the bottom of the screen.
• 🔍 Look for a switch called “Widget Tape”, “Google Discover” or “App Vault".
• 🔘 Move the slider to an inactive position to turn off the panel.

Once the switch is turned off, the swipe to the right will stop causing the news feed to appear. Instead, the screen will simply rest on the first desktop. If the switch is missing, it is possible that your version of the launcher needs an update or uses an alternative control method.

Remove Google Discover and Mi Video

Often users complain that the standard shutdown does not help completely, because different services can be responsible for the left panel. On global firmware, the main culprit is the Google app that broadcasts the Discover feed.

To ensure that you remove this item, go to Settings → Apps → All apps. Find the Google app (the G color icon) on the list. Inside the app menu, find the Tape or Discover item and turn it off. You can also turn the app off completely if you don't use the search engine, but this can disrupt the voice assistant.

In the case of Chinese firmware or specific regional versions, Mi Video or Glance may be responsible for the content, and the principle of action is similar: find the application in the settings and disable its function "Screen Blocker" or "Recommendation Tape".

Specifics of settings for HyperOS

With the release of the new HyperOS shell, the menu structure has changed, the logic has remained the same, but the visual design and item names have been standardized, and widget management has now been brought to a more obvious menu.

To remove the curtain in HyperOS, you can press long-term from the empty desktop and select Screen Settings. Here you will see more detailed widget management. The system allows you not only to turn off the left panel, but also to choose which widgets will be displayed if you decide to leave this feature.

It is important to understand that HyperOS integrates ecosystem services more aggressively. If the standard shutdown doesn’t work, check your Mi Account settings. In some cases, linking to a specific region (e.g. India or Russia) will automatically activate specific news feeds that can’t be turned off without changing region.

Advanced Methods: ADB and Launchers

If standard methods fail, you can use deeper customization tools, and using the command line ADB (Android Debug Bridge) allows you to disable system components that do not have a user interface.

You'll need a computer and USB debugging enabled on your smartphone, and when you connect the device, you can type a command to disable the packet that's responsible for the tape, for example, you often use a command to disable Google Discover:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox

However, this method requires caution: disabling system packages can lead to errors in search or voice input. An alternative and safer option is to install a third-party launcher, such as Nova Launcher or Lawnchair, which allows you to completely ignore the system left panel.

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB commands may cancel the warranty in case of damage to the software part.

Typical problem solving

Even following the instructions, users may find the curtain returning after a reboot or update.This often involves syncing settings through your Mi Cloud or Google account. If you see the panel reappear, check if it is enabled in the sync settings.

Another common problem is having a wallpaper carousel widget or similar that can mimic the behavior of the left panel. Make sure there are no active widgets on the desktop that require a swipe to interact. Sometimes it helps to simply reset the launcher settings to factory values.

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If the curtain appears after a system update, don't rush to reset.It's often a temporary bug that's fixed by a security patch within 1-2 weeks.

It's also worth checking the installed client apps and optimizers, some of which may force their widgets to be added to the home screen or sidebar, imposing their content.

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The most reliable way to remove the curtain is to combine the shutdown in the launcher settings and disable the Google Discover service in the application settings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)